SHTF-3 Gear Review: What Worked and What Sucked

For most of the shooting public, you never get to know how well your defensive firearms and your "gun gear" get to work under use.  We don't go overseas into war zones, our neighborhoods (thankfully) are not combat areas.  The best we can do is take our events to all day 3-gun shooting events.  For those who aren't as in to competition, there are themed events like the "zombie shoots" put out by DPMS and Hornady.

This event was SHTF-3.  It's a themed 3-gun around full out disaster in America.  No real specifics are given to the plot.  And that's ok.  It's a great excuse to test your gear out in the real world for a day without having any real consequences.

Here's some of my take-aways from the gear I had with me and what I think:

Sneaky Bags Mini Bag

 

For those not in the know, the Sneaky Bag is a way to discretely load up on AR or AK magazines.  There's the main compartment for rifle mags, a smaller compartment for handgun mags/medical gear/whatever you want, and a dump pouch.  The sides have MOLLE on them for adding a few more pouches if you want, and there are extra support straps to go around your waist and thigh to keep it in place.

For me personally, running it with my Rifle Dynamics AK-47 and Magnum Research/IMI Baby Desert Eagle, it came across as too bulky to one side.  I felt off balance, and it seemed to get in the way of my support hand.

I see places this bag could be desirable despite its flaws.  If you are in a quick hurry and need to slap something over your shoulder and don't have time for a chest rig.  If you are needing a bug out bag.  If you absolutely have to maintain a casual image.

But for me.... in a situation, I either need the rifle or I don't.  If I need the rifle, discretion has gone out the window.  Add in that this was too bulky for me, and it's up for sale.  Nothing wrong with it for someone else, but just not for me.


US Palm AK30 Magazines
I had some interesting issues with two AK magazines from US Palm.  The floorplate, which is supposed to be integrated to the magazine body, forcibly ejected from the magazine, followed by the spring and everything else in the mag.  This happened with two separate magazines.

I contacted US Palm, and they are issuing me two new free ones no further questions asked.  Super cool customer service, but what is going on with the product?  More information to come as I know more.

Rifle Dynamics AK-47 rifle (built on an Arsenal SLR-107)

If you are considering the Rifle Dynamics upgrade to your AK rifle, and are thinking of moving to a sight/gas block combo and shortening the barrel down to 16 inches, let me tell you.... DO IT.  This rifle was super handy to have around all day.  I never felt it was too heavy or too awkward.  The balance is incredible for a not-bullpup rifle.  The only downside I can think of is the wait time right now at Mr Fuller's shop.  Boy am I glad I got mine done in 2010 well before the firearms rush!